(Essence of the Heart) The Royal Tutor

Chapter 1

The Attack

The sun was still far below the horizon, barely putting a glimmer of light into the sky, when four men, shrouded in black, darted across the palace courtyard. How they got inside the walls of the palace was a mystery, but they moved quickly, yet quietly, to the wall on the west wing - the wing where the royal family lived. A slight fog concealed their movements.

Moving like muted shadows within the shadows, they seemed to know their destination all too well. They slid quietly along the wall. The leader retrieved a large grapple hook from his sack. Deftly he coiled the rope in his left hand, taking the hook in the other.

He swung the hook, once, twice, three times to get momentum, then let it fly toward the third floor balcony. It landed with a slight pinging sound. He pulled it, but it didn't catch anything; instead, it fell at his feet onto the cobblestone with another pinging sound. He cursed quietly as he started coiling the rope for another throw.

Suddenly, a figure appeared from the shadows dressed in the blue of the Royal Guard. He came with no warning, moving quickly and with even more stealth than the would-be assassins. He was on them before they saw him coming.

But there were four of them. The leader of the assassins continued to work the rope unabated as his comrades dealt with this Royal Guardsman. But he was more than they bargained for. He drove the three of them back with the swift movements of his sword and kicks with his feet, ducking every advance. As the other three assassins were forced to fall back, their leader muttered another curse as he was forced to draw his own sword.

Tiring fast, the single Royal Guardsman was still holding his own when a stately figure appeared from behind him. The new defender was medium tall with broad shoulders, and was not dressed as a Guardsman, but as a man of nobility. Thinking this unexpected arrival would be easy to deal with, one of the assassins broke off to face him alone. In this he was sadly mistaken. The nobleman parried his every move, quickly disarming him. The assassins found themselves facing two defenders that each appeared to match their entire group single-handedly. The leader, recognizing the noise from the swords would soon draw a horde of Guardsmen, ordered his men to withdraw.

They turned for the outer walls. But the walls that they had worked so hard to penetrate now became their prison. The assassins found themselves cornered with the two defenders at their backs. Suddenly the whole courtyard was full of Guardsmen.

In a quick response to their leader's command, the assassins, who still had swords, raised them to the upright, a sign of surrender. The first Guardsmen on the scene ordered his comrades to surround the intruders. He then demanded their swords. They hesitated, as if unsure of the request. He motioned for what he wanted and all three remaining swords were dropped to the ground.

As the sun started to break over the hills, the 'Captain' insignia could plainly be seen on the shoulder of the first Guardsman. None of the men there were surprised to see him at the front of the fight, willing and able to take on multiple assailants.

Some of them were much more surprised at the nobleman, though it wasn't the first time he had come to their aid. For there, as in times past, standing stately before them, was none other than Lord High Chamberlain, the Prime Minister to the Queen. Where had a nobleman learned to fight like that? Lord High Chamberlain took charge of the prisoners, marching them off with the support of most of the Royal Guard.

Soon, only three Royal Guardsmen were left – Captain Richins and his two officers and best friends, Lieutenant John Hashner and Sergeant Edward Elliston.

Who were they? John asked.

Jacob shrugged. I don't know. I caught them trying to sneak into the palace – the west wing.

What should we do with them, Sir? Edward asked.

Have them interrogated. We must find out what they wanted.

Edward saluted and left to relay the command. As he disappeared from sight, John noticed that Jacob's sleeve was torn, blood oozing from the opening. You have a wound, Sir."

It is only a flesh wound, Jacob replied. It's not a big deal.

John frowned. You should have called for help.

Jacob laughed. You try finding breath to call for help while fighting four assailants. I'm glad Lord High Chamberlain got there when he did.

I can't understand why Lord High Chamberlain always seems to be one of the first ones there, John said.

That I can't answer, Jacob replied

And why didn't we hear them, and you did?

Jacob grinned. That, my friend, is why I am Captain of the Royal Guard, and you are a lieutenant.

John laughed. And obviously your high academy score didn't have anything to do with it, nor the fact that your father was Captain before you.

Jacob looked amused behind his grinning eyes. Of course not! It was all skill.

John chuckled at his friend's good natured conceit. Of course. But I must admit, my friend, that I'd much rather have you on my side than against me.

The sound of footsteps echoed on the cobblestone, and they turned to see Edward returning. He approached and saluted. Sir, I'm afraid we will get very little from them right now because we can't understand them. We think they are from Esconodia.

Jacob nodded his agreement. They look like they are, and they are very good fighters – well trained. Since they were trying to enter the west wing they must have planned to assassinate the queen.

But, Sir, John mused, How would they know which section of the palace was which?

Jacob shook his head. I don't know. But to slip past our sentries they must know a lot. We must find out what they were up to. We'll have to get an interpreter.

But what purpose could the Esconodians have in assassinating the queen? John asked.

Jacob shrugged. I don't understand all of the political games. I am, after all, just a Captain of the Guard.

The sun broke into full view above the mountain. The birds started their song, welcoming the new day. As the sun's rays spread across the valley, the fog dissipated before its warming rays.

The clatter of pans could be heard in the palace kitchen as the servants started preparing breakfast. From the village below the palace a rooster could be heard crowing. People were starting to walk across the courtyard, busily hurrying to their assignments.

Sir, our shift has almost ended, John said. Would you like to join us for some refreshment?

Jacob shook his head. Maybe later. Right now I am studying about Plato's paradox of knowledge. He says either we already know what we are looking for, in which case we don't need to look, or we don't know what we're looking for, in which case we wouldn't recognize it if we found it. He shares the idea . . .

John rolled his eyes. Sir, you aren't going to bore us with thoughts by another dead man, are you?

Plato was one of the most interesting men that ever lived, Jacob replied.

Edward wagged his head. And he said he would rather not have a monument than have people ask why he had one.

Jacob frowned. 'I would much rather have men ask why I have no statue than why I have one,' was by Cato the Elder, the great Roman orator.

How about this one? John said. Live for today and forget what old people say.

Jacob furrowed his brow. I'm not familiar with that one. Who said that?

John pulled himself up tall, trying his best to act regally. The Great John Hashner.

John and Edward both laughed. Jacob smiled as he spoke. Great, John. We'll have it engraved on your tombstone.

John grinned. Well, if you won't join us, we'll be leaving you.

They saluted, and Jacob returned their salute. They went on their way, leaving him alone. He was checking his sword when Lord High Chamberlain came up quietly behind him. He stood there silently, then finally cleared his throat and spoke. Captain?

Jacob turned quickly and bowed, surprised that he hadn't heard Lord High Chamberlain's approach. Yes, Sir.

At ease, Captain, Lord High Chamberlain said.

Jacob smiled and relaxed. But his smile and easy demeanor quickly faded as Lord High Chamberlain spoke again. The queen has requested your presence in her court immediately.

Chapter 2

The Unexpected Assignment

When Queen Louise requested an audience, there was only one answer, so Lord High Chamberlain turned and headed toward the throne room, and Jacob fell into step behind him. In the three years he had been at the palace, Jacob had never known the queen to receive nor request audience of anyone at this time of morning. She never dealt with anything at that hour of the day unless it was absolutely urgent. He assumed she must have heard of the attack and was calling him in to find out more.

But, he considered that she had never called him in before. She was content to trust an individual to handle the duties to which he was assigned. Every time there had been a breach in security, he had discussed it in great detail with Lord High Chamberlain, and others on the security council, but never with the queen.

By the time they reached the door into the palace, his breath was coming quickly, accompanied by the pounding of his heart. His mind was racing as he tried to think of what he could say to put the queen's mind at ease about the security situation.

As they proceeded down the long hall to the throne room, everyone seemed to stop and stare. Jacob didn't know if he was imagining it, or if they were talking about him. The farther they walked the more somber everyone seemed, from the oldest noblemen gossiping, on down to the maids scrubbing the floor.

By the time they reached the throne room, the din of the courtyard had faded far behind. As they stepped inside, the silence pounded in his ears. When the large oak doors shut behind them, the huge hall and the stillness within mixed to give the feeling of a morgue.

Jacob found himself lagging behind as they approached the throne, and he had to quicken his pace to catch up. He was sure the only sound in the room was coming from his heart, which was trying to climb out his throat.

Lord High Chamberlain didn't even pause before the queen, but took his place at her side as Jacob bowed himself before her.

She was dressed in a long sleeping gown, which was covered with a velvet robe. Her robe was open slightly, and her hair was disheveled. He had never seen her this way before. Every other time he had been in her presence she had always been dressed meticulously, and her hair was impeccable.

The queen was facing away from him and did not immediately look at him, but seemed deep in thought, as if contemplating his demise. Slowly, she turned toward him. You may rise, Captain. Lord High Chamberlain informs me that there was another attempted breach of security.

Yes, Your Majesty, Jacob replied.

If I am correct, that would be the fourth one already this year, she said.

Jacob swallowed hard to keep his voice from running away. Yes, Your Majesty.

She looked at him sternly. They seem to be increasing in frequency and intensity.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I also understand you fought the four attackers single-handedly.

Only for a short time, Your Majesty. Lord High Chamberlain and others of the Royal Guard were quick to join me.

There was a short pause as the queen seemed to be contemplating the event. Though it was brief, Jacob could feel his head pounding more with every second that passed. He wished that if she were going to remove him from his assignment that she would just do it. The pressure of not knowing was worse than any demotion could possibly be.

When she finally did speak, her voice was calm and contemplative. Captain Richins, how old are you?

This was not the question Jacob expected, but he knew where this was headed. She thought he was too inexperienced to be Captain of the Guard. His voice quivered as he answered. I am 22, Your Majesty - almost 23.

How long have you been the Captain of my Guard?

One year, Your Majesty.

And you were in the guard for how long before that?

Two years, Your Majesty.

And before that?

The University and Royal Guard Academy.

The queen still relayed no emotion, but her line of reasoning was easy to follow. She was feeling he moved up too fast. Perhaps she was feeling he had received the assignment because of his father, more than for the hard work and training he had put into it.

The queen continued. How long were you at the University and Academy?

Three years, Your Majesty.

The queen looked right at him, her eyes narrowing slightly. Quite impressive. You moved up quickly, and sixteen is very young to qualify for the Academy.

Jacob could stand it no longer. He knew where this was headed, and he had to get it over with. He felt desperate to present his side of the issues at hand. He did the unthinkable and spoke without being spoken to.

If Your Majesty is concerned about your safety, you needn't be. My men and I are extremely proficient at our work. I can guarantee there will be no harm . . .

The queen raised her hand to silence him. Even though she still showed no emotion, he knew he shouldn't have spouted off like that, and he realized it would just make his case that much more bleak.

The queen smiled at him, the first emotion she had shown. Her smile was unexpected and confusing. When she spoke, her voice was soft and kind.

I am not concerned in the least about the security here. I have complete trust in you and your men, as I did in your father before you. It's just that there is something that has kept me up at nights. Something has bothered me greatly, and I want you to take it on as a special assignment.

Jacob felt his breath come back. A surge of excitement encompassed his heart. He was sure the queen was tired of the attacks on the palace, and was going to send him to penetrate into the heart of the enemy's forces. He had to admit that he had considered this option as well, but he felt it unwise to assign one of his men. And he could not assign himself – only the queen could do that.

Jacob stood tall and proud. He brought his right arm up across his chest in a salute of honor to his sovereign. Anything Your Majesty would desire is my command. I assure you that I am one of the best sword fighters of Your Majesty's Royal Guard.

Of that I have no doubt, the queen replied. But this assignment requires more than a sharp sword. It will require a keen mind, a good heart, and a patient spirit. I have watched you, and I am sure you are the one for the job. You are brave, kind, wise, and you carry yourself well.

The queen smiled again, and her smile made her eyes twinkle. It perplexed him, for it was not a smile commensurate with the seriousness of the situation. Could it be that this was still just a way to get rid of him? Instead of the grimness he had expected, her voice had sounded as if it was amused as she spoke. Jacob was also taken aback by her compliments.

Unsure what else to do he simply replied, Thank you, Your Majesty.

The queen nodded graciously, and smiled that same, disarming smile as she continued. Captain Richins, do you know my daughter?

This unexpected question caught Jacob so much by surprise that he almost choked on his answer. Why, yes, Your Majesty, everyone knows Princess Marie.

Did you know that today is her seventeenth birthday?

Yes, Your Majesty. I do believe everyone in the palace knows.

And do you realize that one year from today, according to our traditions, she will be considered a woman, mature and ready to take her place in society? Do you feel she is ready?

Jacob felt helpless. If he answered that he felt she was ready, everyone would know he was lying. Everyone knew very well that Marie was anything but ready to act the part of a princess. He knew what people whispered in the dark corners of the palace about the unruly, belligerent young woman. She walked around with a chip on her shoulder, and she dared anyone to get in her way. She dressed like a boy and could often be found climbing trees. She was always ready to attack anyone who drew her ire. She hung around the stables constantly and would very often get in the road of him and his men. No one dared cross her because her mother was the queen, yet, more than once, he had found himself biting his lip to keep from telling her how he felt.

On the other hand, if he answered the queen with the truth, informing her that her daughter was a spoiled, tomboyish brat, it probably wouldn't go over very well. He looked to Lord High Chamberlain for help, but Lord High Chamberlain pointedly ignored him. He stammered his answer, his mind was confused and searching for what to say.

"Well, I . . ."

He was relieved that the queen interrupted his babbling. She leaned forward and looked him fiercely in the eye as she spoke. Do you realize that on that day there will be a grand ball where all of the young lords, dukes, and other high society young men will come to meet the young princess? She will be expected to dance with them, to make intelligent conversation with them, and above all, to carry herself like a princess.

Jacob gulped and nodded. Yes, Your Majesty.

He was bewildered as to where this conversation could be heading. He had come in here sure they were going to be discussing security matters, and he couldn't, for the life of him, figure out what the princess's readiness for her Princess Ball could have to do with that.

No one said anything for a short time as the queen sized him up. It was as if she was looking through him, and he was very uncomfortable. He sensed by her bemusement that she enjoyed his discomfort. Finally, she spoke.

I want you to be her tutor, her escort, and her teacher. Then, as if as an afterthought, she added, Oh, and her bodyguard.

Jacob felt the air go out of him, and the blood rushed so fast to his lungs that his head started to spin. He choked slightly. Nothing she could have said would have shocked him more. Nothing he could have done could have prepared him for the stunned feeling that came over him. It traumatized his whole system, and he reeled from it for a moment. When he finally regained his composure and spoke, his voice almost squeaked and sounded to him as if it weren't his own. Your Majesty, a tutor? I'm a soldier.

The queen continued to smile the same maddening smile. Yes, that is true, so while you are at it, teach her to defend herself. You never know when that might come in handy.

Jacob, desperately trying to retain any dignity of his job as Captain of the Guard, knew he had to attempt to to talk his way out of the assignment.

Begging Your Majesty's pardon, but what can I teach a princess?

Everything. You can teach her things you learned at the university. I understand you love the music of the great composers, that you read the works of the great philosophers, that you are a great thinker and a talented young man. Train her in the arts. Teach her to dance. They did teach you to dance at the academy?

Jacob nodded. Yes, Your Majesty. We were trained in all of the social graces. But, surely, she has already been taught to dance.

The queen sighed heavily as she answered. There have been many attempts, but she has scorned them all, as I'm sure you can well imagine.

Jacob could just see himself working with the surly princess. He could imagine her getting angry with him, striking at him, telling the queen how horrible he was. Even worse, he could envision the reaction of his men in the Royal Guard when they learned of his assignment.

As he thought about the others in the Royal Guard hearing of this, Jacob gained some determination to avoid this assignment if at all possible. He swallowed hard, took a deep breath, then spoke again. But don't you feel it would be better to have a woman tutor the princess?

The queen's expression remained almost unchanged, unless possibly more stern. All of the tutors so far have been women, and they have failed miserably. I want her to have some influence from the opposite gender. You see, her father died when she was yet a young girl. My daughter will soon be queen, and I feel there are things she needs to learn – things that I can't teach her.

But I don't know how to tutor, Jacob blurted out.

The queen wrinkled her brow. "Don't you teach your men?'

Well, yes, how to fight and defend the palace and such things.

I'm sure it couldn't be that much different with other subjects.

Jacob knew he was out of line questioning the queen's decision, but a desperation was settling on his heart, a desperation like he had never experienced before. It pushed him beyond the bounds of propriety. His emotions were overwhelming and at the surface as he did speak.

But surely there are more qualified people to teach her than myself.

The queen lost any hint of a smile as she spoke sternly. Captain Richins, describe your father to me.

Jacob felt a softness in his heart as he considered his father. He loved no one more than he loved his father. He spoke quietly as he answered. He is a kind, honest man. Loyal to Your Majesty and the country, above all. Loved by all who know him.

The queen nodded. Good. That is how I know him as well. Just teach her the things your father taught you.

But, Your Majesty, I . . .

The queen cut him off with sharpness. That will be all, Captain Richins. You start this morning; the dawn is already breaking.

Jacob knew that the discussion was over. With one more glance at the queen, and another at Lord High Chamberlain, he bowed and turned to leave. His heart was heavy with trepidation. He had only gone a few steps when the queen spoke again. He turned back to her. Her voice was again soft and kind, yet still firm.

Oh, and one more thing. You have my permission to use whatever training methods you feel necessary. You have my full trust. You may find her difficult, and she may threaten you and your position, but have no fear. Your assignment is not in her hands, but in mine alone.

Jacob again bowed and departed. As his footsteps on the marble floor faded away, all became quiet in the throne room. The stillness was thick about the queen and Lord High Chamberlain. Finally, the queen spoke again, still facing forward, and not even turning to look at him.

You are very quiet, Matthew. Do you question my actions?

Lord High Chamberlain stood nobly beside her, speaking carefully and deliberately. I have never questioned Your Majesty's actions, though, I must say, I wonder at your course of reasoning.

She turned to look at him. You are very diplomatic, Matthew.

Lord High Chamberlain didn't even smile, but his eyes sparkled mischievously at her comment. Your Majesty has always made wise decisions. Women drive me crazy. I look at something logically; I analyze, then make a decision, and you just follow your heart and make a decision that defies all logic. The maddening part is that your decisions usually end up being the right ones.

The queen laughed. I suppose that is what makes a woman. Suddenly, she became quiet and serious again as she continued. But there is one place I have not always made the right decisions, and that is in raising my daughter.

But is having a soldier tutor her the right thing? Lord High Chamberlain asked.

She spoke slowly, as if she had pondered this for a long time, and still did. You have always been wise in counseling me in political matters, Matthew, but this time, I am looking at what is best for Marie – not as her Queen, but as her mother.

Lord High Chamberlain turned away as he rolled his eyes and spoke somewhat under his breath. She dances like a cow in a mud hole.

What was that, Matthew? the queen asked.

Lord High Chamberlain cleared his throat. I was just saying that the young princess says she would rather be a man than a woman, and tends to feel that dancing is, how should I say, ridiculous.

She can learn.

She'd rather climb trees and fight than learn philosophy or listen to music.

The queen nodded. That may be true, and I don't want to destroy her free spirit, just broaden it.

What are you looking for this young man to do? Lord High Chamberlain asked.

To change her heart, the queen replied.

In what way?

The queen had a deep meditative, look about her as she answered. "To help her think of others besides herself. I will be honest, Matthew.